Almost any nutritionist will tell you that the Mediterranean diet has the highest health standards on the planet, if not the best.

 

Fruits, Veggies and NutsThe modern Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole foods, nuts, fruits and vegetables. It restricts red meat, added sugar, refined carbohydrates and other highly processed foods.

 

Here are some pros and cons of the Mediterranean Diet so you can decide if it’s right for your health and lifestyle:

  • It is incredibly adaptable and not restrictive
  • It’s low in saturated fat
  • It is beneficial to your cardiovascular system
  • It may help you lose weight
  • It has the potential to lower the risk of diabetes and cancer
  • It has the potential to alleviate depression
  • It may improve brain health
  • It’s easily adaptable if you’re vegetarian or gluten-free

 

Although there are some excellent pros, there are a few cons too:

  • It has the potential to raise your grocery bill
  • It does necessitate some preparation

 

The benefits of the Mediterranean diet far surpass the disadvantages. Some of the drawbacks aren’t even drawbacks! They’re just little quirks that come with switching to a nutritionally balanced, minimally processed diet. The Mediterranean diet is worth a try because it doesn’t take out any major food groups, is easy to adjust, and has many health benefits.

 

For more detailed information on each of the pros and cons listed above, check out this great article we found or do an internet search of your own!

 

Let’s start with an anti-inflammatory Greek Pork Kabobs recipe so you can eat dinner as the Mediterraneans do!

Greek Pork Kabobs

Greek Pork Kabobs

This delicious Mediterranean meal can be prepped in 25 minutes and grilled in 15 minutes. Your kids will even love it. Switch up the veggies you use to accommodate the whole family. If you have to, make each kabob different and see which one is the biggest hit! If you're heading to a party, use small skewers and bring this as an appetizer! These kabobs are popular on a dinner or appetizer table!
Course Lunch, Main Course
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 ½ tsp minced fresh rosemary or ¾ tsp dried rosemary, crushed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs pork tenderloin cut into 1 ½ inch cubes
  • 24 cherry tomatoes
  • 2 large bell peppers any color, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
  • 1 large sweet or red onion cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
  • Refrigerated tzatziki sauce optional

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, whisk first 10 ingredients until well blended. Pour ½ cup of the mixture into a shallow dish. Add the pork and turn to coat all sides. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade.
  • When ready to cook, preheat grill to medium.
  • Drain pork, discarding marinade. On 12 metal or soaked wooden skewers, alternately thread pork and vegetables. Grill kabobs, uncovered, until pork and vegetables are crisp-tender, 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes.
  • Serve with tzatziki sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Use favorite vegetables of your choice.
  • This same recipe can be used to prepare chicken or steak kabobs.
  • If using store-bought tzatziki sauce, check ingredients to be sure it’s made with no added sugars or preservatives. A good tzatziki sauce should be made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic and fresh herbs.
  • Try this recipe for a main dish or use smaller skewers and serve the kabobs as an appetizer.
Keyword Anti-Inflammatory, Appetizer, Bell Pepper, Complete Meal, Entree, herbs, Pork, Tomato

 

 

Want free anti-inflammatory recipes, downloadable resources and efficiency tips and tricks from a professional chef?  Of course, you do!  Click here for the secret sauce! 

 

Get The Official Anti-Inflammatory Foods List Here